Overview

America's Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four great American presidents who represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. Open year-round, and near hotels, the park includes a half-mile walking trail, museum, gift shop and dining room.

Each evening, May through September, a ceremony is held in the park's outdoor Amphitheater. It highlights the making of this national monument with a video, flag lowering ceremony, a salute to veterans and lighting of the memorial.

Sculptor's Studio

“...Let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces, to show posterity what manner of men they were. Then breathe a prayer that these records will endure until the wind and rain alone shall wear them away.”
Gutzon Borglum, Mount Rushmore Sculptor, 1930

Grand View Terrace

The view is especially beautiful at dawn. Arrive before sunrise where a unique look at the memorial rewards you with postcard-perfect photos.